Monday, March 4, 2019

"Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" Arrives on Blu-ray/DVD March 19th

"SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE" COMING TO DIGITAL ON FEBRUARY 26, 2019, HOME VIDEO ON MARCH 19

With Over 90 Minutes of Special Features Including a Never-Before-Seen SPIDER-HAM Short, Alternate Universe Mode and much more!

In Theaters Now and Swung Home onto Digital February 26, 2019, On 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD on March 19, 2019

"The year’s best animated movie." ~ Brian Truitt, USA TODAY

Academy Award® Winner for Best Animated Feature Film
Golden Globe® Winner for Best Animated Feature Film
Critics' Choice® Winner for Best Animated Feature Film
Winner of Seven Annie® Awards Including Best Animated Feature

CULVER CITY, Calif. (February 18, 2019) – The Academy Award® Winner for "Best Animated Feature Film," SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE, swung onto Digital February 26, 2019 and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD on March 19, 2019 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Sony Pictures Animation. From Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the uniquely creative minds behind The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, the film offers a fresh vision of the Spider-Man universe with a groundbreaking visual style that’s the first of its kind.

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE, a film that has grossed over $350 million in theaters worldwide to date, introduces Brooklyn teen Miles Morales, and the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse, where more than one can wear the iconic mask. "One of the most rewarding experiences in recent months has been to hear that children are telling their parents that they see themselves in Miles, or that they want to grow up to be like Spider-Gwen, anyone can be a hero. Thats why we made this film, and we hope that feeling of empowerment is something that both audiences young and old can take away," say Directors Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman.

The out-of-this-world voice cast includes Shameik Moore as Miles Morales alongside Jake Johnson ("New Girl") as Peter B. Parker, Hailee Steinfeld (Bumblebee) as Gwen Stacy/Spider-Gwen, Mahershala Ali (Green Book) as Miles’ Uncle Aaron, Brian Tyree Henry ("Atlanta") as Jefferson Davis, Lily Tomlin ("Grace and Frankie") as Aunt May, Luna Lauren Velez ("How To Get Away with Murder") as Rio Morales, Zoë Kravitz ("Big Little Lies") as Mary Jane, John Mulaney ("Big Mouth") as Spider-Ham, with Nicholas Cage (The Croods) as Spider-Man Noir, Kathryn Hahn (Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation) as Doc Ock and Liev Schreiber ("Ray Donovan") as the villain Kingpin.

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE arrives filled with engaging bonus materials that are fun for the whole family and give fans even more of the unique comic book style action that they loved in theaters with over 90 minutes of bonus content. In his very own original short, Spider-Ham: Caught In a Ham, fan favorite Spider-Ham defeats his greatest foe, delivers sidesplitting puns, and get sucked into another dimension! It actually can get weirder! Don’t miss the thrilling Alternate Universe Mode where fans can view the film in an entirely new way to discover alternate scenes, plotlines, characters, and more with the filmmakers as their guide. Also included is The Spider-Verse Super-Fan Easter Egg Challenge, where fans are challenged to find every single Easter Egg hidden within the Spider-Verse (and there are a lot of them!). Explore the character design in the visually stunning film including specific looks at the now-iconic Spider-Ham character as well as the classic villains who inhabit the Spider-Verse. Additional special features include a celebration of the diversity in the film and the idea that anyone can wear the mask in a feature called We Are Spider-Man, a featurette called Spider-Verse: A New Dimension, where fans can hear from the artists and filmmakers who pushed the boundaries of the comic book artform to create a visual experience unlike anything done in animation before, a showcase of all the amazing fan favorite characters featured in the Spider-Verse and the actors who bring them to life, and a touching tribute to comic legends Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, who originally created the Spider-Man character. Other bonus materials include two lyric videos featuring "Sunflower" by Post Malone and Swae Lee and "Familia" by Nicki Minaj and Anuel AA (feat. Bantu).

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE is directed by Bob Persichetti (The Little Prince), Peter Ramsey (Rise of the Guardians) and Rodney Rothman (22 Jump Street), and screenplay by Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman from a story by Lord. The film is produced by Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Chistopher Miller, and Chrstina Steinberg. The executive producers are the late Stan Lee, Brian Michael Bendis, and Will Allegra.

Bonus Materials Include:

    • We Are Spider-Man: Exploring and celebrating one of the key themes of the film, We Are Spider-Man takes a deep dive into the diversity of the characters and aspirational core that any person from any gender or cultural background can wear the mask.
    • Spider-Verse: A New Dimension: With a stunning visual style and state of the art animation designed to take the viewer into the pages of a comic, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse is not only a love letter to comic books but a groundbreaking take on the super hero genre. Hear from the artists and filmmakers who pushed the boundaries of the artform as they discuss their journey.
    • The Ultimate Comics Cast: Enjoy this showcase of all of the fan favorite characters featured in the Spider-Verse and the spectacular cast who were chosen to bring them to life.
    • A Tribute to Stan Lee & Steve Ditko: Celebrate the amazing legacy and powerful spirit of the creators of Spider-Man.
    • The Spider-Verse Super-Fan Easter Egg Challenge: The Spider-Verse is loaded with Easter Eggs, from cameos to comics references. Fans are challenged to find them all!
    • Designing Cinematic Comics Characters: A breakdown of all aspects of the character design including costume, movement in animation, and distinct powers for each character.
    o Heroes & Hams: Meet the amazing Spider-people of the Spider-Verse.
    o Scorpions and Scoundrels: Explore the classic villains who wreak havoc on the Spider-Verse.
    • Alternate Universe Mode: In this all-new viewing experience, discover alternate scenes, plotlines, characters, and more with the filmmakers as your guide.
    • 2 Lyric Videos
    o "Sunflower" by Post Malone and Swae Lee
    o "Familia" by Nicki Minaj & Anuel AA (feat. Bantu)
    • All-New Original Short "Spider-Ham: Caught In a Ham" It’s another normal day for Peter Porker, a.k.a. the Spectacular Spider-Ham, fighting bad guys and loving hot dogs, until a mysterious portal starts messing with the very fabric of his cartoon reality.

4K Ultra HD Disc Includes:

    • Feature film presented with High Dynamic Range and Dolby Atmos sound
    • Also includes the film and special features on the included high-def Blu-ray

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE has a run time of approximately 117 minutes and is rated PG for frenetic sequences of animated action violence, thematic elements, and mild language.


ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company. SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group includes film labels Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit  http://www.sonypictures.com.

----------------------

Saturday, March 2, 2019

Image Comics Sets "Fairlady" for April 2019

A NEW CASE-SOLVING FANTASY SERIES FOR FANS OF FABLES BEGINS THIS APRIL IN FAIRLADY

Every fantasy epic ends with a war. But what happens when the war is over?

PORTLAND, OR — Writer Brian Schirmer, artist Claudia Balboni (Star Trek), and colorist Marissa Louise team up for Fairlady—an all-new fantasy series from Image Comics this April 2019.

"I realized that there wasn't a fantasy series that focused on a female private detective, and then I realized how much I needed that to be a thing," said Schirmer. "I took a love of '70s and '80s shows like Magnum, P.I. and The Rockford Files, poured that into a big bowl of Middle Earth, and added dashes of China Miéville, Michael Moorcock and Mignola, and Barbarians Conan and Thundarr. Then we dropped in a tough outsider in the form of our protagonist, Jenner Faulds, the land's only female private investigator. Let the limitless stories begin!"

In Fairlady, after posing as a man to join the army, Jenner Faulds returns home to The Feld for a new start as a "Fairman"—a specially licensed private investigator. But sexism didn't end on the battlefield, and as the only "Fairlady," Jenner gets stuck with the cases nobody else wants. Hitting the streets to solve The Feld's overlooked mysteries, Jenner finds that the smallest cases hide the biggest secrets.

Fairlady blends the procedural case-solving of Magnum, P.I. and Fables, but is set in a vibrant, Rat Queens-like high fantasy world. This debut issue and each following issue will feature a complete 30-page story.

Fairlady #1 Cover A by Balboni and Louise (Diamond Code FEB190020) and Fairlady #1 Cover B by Tula Lotay (Diamond Code FEB190021) will be available on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. The final order cutoff deadline for comics retailers is Monday, March 18, 2019.

Fairlady #1 will also be available for purchase across many digital platforms, including the official Image Comics iOS app, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play.


ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of bestselling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has six individuals on the Board of Directors: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, Jim Valentino, and Eric Stephenson. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

----------------------

Friday, March 1, 2019

"A Star is Born" Returns to Theaters with New Footage

“A Star is Born” Invites Moviegoers to a Special Encore Engagement of the Film, Featuring Never-Before-Seen Moments

The award-winning movie, with almost 12 minutes of additional footage, including extended musical performances, will be released on 1150+ screens in North America for one week beginning Friday, March 1, 2019

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This Friday, March 1, 2019, for one week only, Warner Bros. Pictures will release an “Encore” version of Bradley Cooper’s global hit “A Star Is Born” in theaters throughout the U.S. and Canada. This special edition of the film contains extended performances of such songs as opener “Black Eyes”; “Alibi”; and Lady Gaga’s Ally in her impromptu a cappella performance of “Shallow,” which received the Oscar for Best Original Song at the 91st Annual Academy Awards, following Cooper and Gaga’s moving performance during the ceremony. Moviegoers will also be treated to never-before-seen footage of Ally singing to Jack “Is That Alright?” in the wedding sequence; Jack in his studio singing “Too Far Gone”; Jack and Ally writing a new song together, entitled “Clover”; and much more, totaling nearly 12 additional minutes.


About “A Star Is Born”
In “A Star Is Born,” Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga fuse their considerable talents to depict the raw and passionate tale of Jack and Ally, two artistic souls coming together, on stage and in life. Theirs is a complex journey through the beauty and the heartbreak of a relationship struggling to survive.

In this new take on the iconic love story, seven-time Oscar nominee Cooper (“A Star Is Born,” “American Sniper,” “American Hustle,” “Silver Linings Playbook”) made his directorial debut. He stars alongside multiple award-winning music superstar Gaga, who took home the Oscar for Best Original Song for “Shallow,” and who was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress in her first leading role in a major motion picture. Cooper portrays seasoned musician Jackson Maine, who discovers and falls in love with struggling artist Ally. She has given up on her dream to become a successful singer, until she meets Jack, who immediately sees her natural talent.

The film also stars Andrew Dice Clay (“Blue Jasmine”), with Dave Chappelle (“Chi-Raq”) and Sam Elliott in his Oscar-nominated performance for Best Supporting Actor.

In addition to playing Ally, Gaga—who also previously earned an Oscar nod for the song “Til It Happens to You” from the film “The Hunting Ground”—performs original songs in the film with Cooper, which they wrote with a handful of artists, including Lukas Nelson, Jason Isbell, and newly minted Oscar winners Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt and Anthony Rossomando (Best Original Song, “Shallow”). The music is original and all vocals for the movie were recorded live during filming.

“A Star Is Born” was produced by Bill Gerber, Jon Peters, Bradley Cooper, Todd Phillips and Lynette Howell Taylor. Ravi Mehta, Basil Iwanyk, Niija Kuykendall, Sue Kroll, Michael Rapino and Heather Parry served as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Oscar winner Eric Roth (“Forrest Gump”) and Bradley Cooper & Will Fetters.

Cooper’s behind-the-scenes team included Oscar-nominated director of photography Matthew Libatique (“Black Swan”), production designer Karen Murphy (“The Light Between Oceans”), three-time Oscar-nominated editor Jay Cassidy (“American Hustle,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Into the Wild”), and costume designer Erin Benach (“Loving”).

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, in association with Live Nation Productions, in association with Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures, a Jon Peters/Bill Gerber/Joint Effort Production, “A Star Is Born.” The film is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is rated R for language throughout, some sexuality/nudity and substance abuse.

www.astarisbornmovie.com

-----------------------------

March (2019) to Negromancer

Welcome to March 2019.  Welcome to Negromancer 2.0.  This is the rebirth of Negromancer, the former movie review website as a new movie review and movie news site.

Support me on Patreon.

All images and text appearing on this blog are © copyright and/or trademark their respective owners.

--------------------


Thursday, February 28, 2019

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from February 24th to 28th, 2019 - Update #41

Support Leroy on Patreon:

TELEVISION - From Deadline:  AMC is developing a second spinoff of "The Walking Dead."

----------
COMICS-FILM - From Variety:  Will Smith is leaving "Suicide Squad 2," reportedly due to scheduling conflicts.  Writer-director James Gunn is hoping to start production on the film this fall for a August 2021 release.

----------
TELEVISION - From TVFanatic:  Fox's revival of its 1999-2000 series, "Beverly Hill, 90210," is scheduled to debut this coming summer in a six-episode first season.  Most of the original cast will return.

----------
ANIMATION - From Variety:  The next installment of the "Hotel Transylvania" animated film franchise, "Hotel Transylvania 4," will hit theaters December 2021.

----------
STREAMING - From Deadline:  Zac Efron and Anna Kendrick are set for the original animated comedy, "Human Discoveries" for "Facebook Watch," Facebook's video-on-demand streaming service.

---------
SCIENCE - From NPR:  The world's largest bee, the Wallace's giant bee — Megachile pluto, has been spotted for the first time since 1981.

----------
MOVIES - From BleedingCool:   Yahya Abdoul-Mateen II, who played the villain Black Manta in "Aquaman," will be Candyman in Jordan Peele's reboot of the "Candyman" film.

----------
COMICS-FILM - From Newsarama:  New "X-Men: Dark Phoenix" trailer is supposed to arrive Wednesday, February 27th.

----------
SCANDAL - From YahooEntertainment:  R. Kelly pleaded not guilty Monday (Feb. 25th) to charges that he sexually abused four people dating back to 1998, including three underage girls.  Kelly's attorney said the R&B star was still trying to pay the bail ($100,000) on a one million dollar bond that would allow him to go free while awaiting trial.

----------
BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 2/22 to 2/24/2019 weekend box office is "How to Train Your Dragon 3" with an estimated take of 55.5 million dollars.

----------
OSCARS - From Vice:  Spike Lee's Oscar Speech Was A Lesson In Black History

From THR: Oscars: Read Spike Lee's Powerful Political Acceptance Speech

From YahooEntertainment:  Regina King almost turned down a role in "If Beale Street Could Talk."  It was a first film role in 10 years and it ultimately won her an Oscar for best supporting actress.

From Deadline:  President Trump tweets criticism at Spike Lee for Spike's acceptance speech after winning the best adapted screen play Oscar.

From Deadline:  2019 Oscar ratings better than 2018 Oscar ratings.

----------
GREEN BOOK - From ShadowandAct: " How 'Green Book' And The Hollywood Machine Swallowed Donald Shirley Whole"

From TheAtlantic: The Documentary Highlighting the Real "Green Book."

From LATimes:  Oscars 2019: ‘Green Book’ is the worst best picture winner since ‘Crash’

----------
OSCARS - From THR:  The winners at the 91st Academy Awards have been announced. "Green Book" was named "Best Motion Picture of the Year."

2019 / 91st Academy Award winners (for film achievements in 2018):

Best motion picture of the year:
“Green Book” Jim Burke, Charles B. Wessler, Brian Currie, Peter Farrelly and Nick Vallelonga, Producers

Achievement in directing:
“Roma” Alfonso Cuarón

Performance by an actress in a leading role:
Olivia Colman in “The Favourite”

Performance by an actor in a leading role:
Rami Malek in “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Performance by an actress in a supporting role:
Regina King in “If Beale Street Could Talk”

Performance by an actor in a supporting role:
Mahershala Ali in “Green Book”

Best animated feature film of the year:
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score):
“Black Panther” Ludwig Goransson

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song):
“Shallow” from “A Star Is Born”
Music and Lyric by Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt

Adapted screenplay:
“BlacKkKlansman” Written by Charlie Wachtel & David Rabinowitz and Kevin Willmott & Spike Lee

Original screenplay:
“Green Book” Written by Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie, Peter Farrelly

Best live action short film:
“Skin” Guy Nattiv and Jaime Ray Newman

Achievement in visual effects:
“First Man” Paul Lambert, Ian Hunter, Tristan Myles and J.D. Schwalm

Best animated short film:
“Bao” Domee Shi and Becky Neiman-Cobb

 Best documentary short subject:
“Period. End of Sentence.” Rayka Zehtabchi and Melissa Berton

Achievement in film editing:
“Bohemian Rhapsody” John Ottman

Best foreign language film of the year:
“Roma” Mexico

Achievement in sound mixing:
“Bohemian Rhapsody” Paul Massey, Tim Cavagin and John Casali

Achievement in sound editing:
“Bohemian Rhapsody” John Warhurst and Nina Hartstone

Achievement in cinematography:
“Roma” Alfonso Cuarón

Achievement in production design:
“Black Panther” Production Design: Hannah Beachler; Set Decoration: Jay Hart

Achievement in costume design:
“Black Panther” Ruth Carter

Achievement in makeup and hairstyling:
“Vice” Greg Cannom, Kate Biscoe and Patricia DeHaney

Best documentary feature:
“Free Solo” Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, Evan Hayes and Shannon Dill

----------
MOVIES - From YahooEntertainment:  Alfred Uhry reflects on the controversial 1989 best picture Oscar winner, "Driving Miss Daisy."  Uhry wrote the play upon which the film is based and won a Pulitzer Prize and Obie Award for the play.  He also won an Oscar for adapting his play into a screenplay.

----------
OBIT:

From Deadline:  The German-born, American conductor, composer, and pianist, Andre Previn has died at the age of 89, Thursday, February 28, 2019.  Previn was four Oscars for his film music and 10 Grammy Awards for his musical recordings.

----------
ROBERT KRAFT:

SCANDAL-SPORTS - From CNBC:  Robert Kraft, the owner of the NFL's New England Patriots, has been charged with prostitution in Jupiter, Florida, following a sting operation of the "Orchids of Asia Day Spa" massage palor.

From TMZ:  Graphic video from inside of "Orchids of Asia Day Spa," include ejaculation and subsequent cleanup.

From TCPalm:  "Orchids of Day Spa," which serviced NFL owner, Robert Kraft, may be involved in sex trafficking, with some women reportedly being "sex slaves."

From CNN:  How Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and accused of soliciting prostitution, became a billionaire.

From FoxNews:  New England Patriots' Robert Kraft was not the only rich guy caught in police sting operation of sex trafficking ring.


Wednesday, February 27, 2019

2019 ESSENCE Festival Announces Performers

2019 ESSENCE Festival Unveils Epic 25th Anniversary Performance Line-Up

- Nation’s largest annual consumer event celebrates 25th Anniversary during Fourth of July weekend -

- 80+ of the world’s most talented and creative artists gather for a 3-day, can’t-miss musical “homecoming” -

- Special performances celebrate two of music’s most seminal albums – Mary J. Blige’s ‘My Life’ and NAS’ ‘Illmatic’ – marking 25-year anniversaries in 2019 -

- Hosted by LONI LOVE and Music by D-NICE -

July 4-7, 2019, New Orleans, LA

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The ESSENCE Festival®, the world’s largest entertainment and cultural experience, celebrates its 25th anniversary during Fourth of July weekend (July 4-7, 2019) in New Orleans, Louisiana, and unveiled part one of its epic 25th anniversary performance line-up. The impressive schedule currently features more than 80 of the most talented and creative artists from across the globe. More acts will be announced in the coming weeks.

    “When the ESSENCE Festival was founded 25 years ago, it marked a pivotal moment of vision and reverence – a critical acknowledgement of and investment in the power of our culture”

The 2019 ESSENCE Festival’s three-night concert series at the Louisiana Superdome includes Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, NAS, H.E.R., Anthony Hamilton, Big Freedia, Davido, Doug E. Fresh, Frankie Beverly, Jermaine Dupri, Ledisi, MC Lyte, Morris Day, Musiq Soulchild, Pharrell Williams, Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky & Mike (RBRM), Sheila E., Teddy Riley, Teyana Taylor, Timbaland, VanJess and more. Hosted by Loni Love. Music by D-Nice.

Additional performers include 702, AlunaGeorge, ALX, Amanda Black, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Brownstone, Celeste Ntuli, City Girls, El Debarge, Elle Varner, Erica Falls, EU, Force MDs, Ginuwine, Jacquees, Koryn Hawthorne, Lucky Daye, Mase, Nao, Nigel Hall, Normani, Queen Naija, Rakim, Rayvanny, Sauti Sol, Scarface, Talk Box, Tellaman, Vanessa Mdee, Water Seed and more. Plus, a live album recording by PJ Morton with Jojo, Luke James, Mia X, Pell and The Hamiltones.

“When the ESSENCE Festival was founded 25 years ago, it marked a pivotal moment of vision and reverence – a critical acknowledgement of and investment in the power of our culture,” said Michelle Ebanks, Chief Executive Officer of ESSENCE Communications. “In the years since, it has set a standard that many other festivals have aspired to, and today, the ESSENCE Festival has grown to represent an annual homecoming for Black artists from across the globe. In honor of our 25th anniversary, nearly 30 artists per night over 3 epic nights will come together to mount the world’s largest and most extraordinary cultural celebration. To one and all, we say, ‘Welcome to ESSENCE. Welcome home.’”

Special performance highlights include two seminal albums thematically brought to life, Mary J. Blige’s ‘My Life’ and NAS’ ‘Illmatic’ – each of which are marking 25-year anniversaries in 2019. ESSENCE will also cultivate a special mainstage moment honoring Frankie Beverly for his lifetime contribution to music.

Weekend ticket packages are on sale now with prices starting at $185. For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE Festival® visit Essence.com/festival. Join the festival community: Follow us on Twitter @essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of Festival on Facebook.

The ESSENCE Festival is produced by ESSENCE Communications, Inc. FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES: Please e-mail festivalpress@essence.com.


About ESSENCE Communications Inc.
ESSENCE Communications is the number one media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 17 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival. Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures, an independent Black-owned, technology-driven company focused on merging content, community and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color.

----------------------


Negromancer Watches 2018-2019 Movie Award Season - Update #33

Support Leroy on Patreon.

So welcome to the heat of the 2018-2019 movie award season that will culminate on Sunday, February 24, 2019 with the 91st Academy Awards ceremony, which will be broadcast on the ABC Television Network.  The nominations for the 91st Academy Awards will be announced Tuesday, January 22, 2019.

On this page, I will include links to the announcement of 2018-19 award nominations and winners from various film critics groups, film societies, trade unions and guilds, and media organizations, that name their best of the year film lists annually, some having done so for decades.

ACADEMY AWARDS:
From Oscars:  The winners of the 2019 / 91st Academy Awards have been announced.  "Green Book" was named the "Best Pictures of the Year" (2018).

African-American Film Critics Association:
From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 African-American Film Critics Association Awards announced.  "Black Panther" was named "Best Film of 2018."

Black Film Critics Circle:
From AwardsWatch:  2018 BFCC Awards were announced.  "Black Panther" named "Best Picture of 2018."

Black Reel Awards:
From AwardsWatch:  The nominations for the 19th annual Black Reel Awards have been announced.  Winners will be announced Thursday, Feb. 7th, 2019.

From Wikipedia:  The winners for the 19th annual Black Reel Awards have been announced.  "Black Panther" named "Best Film of 2018,"

----------------------------
AARP:
From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2019 / 18th Annual AARP Movies for Grownups Awards have been announced.   Winners will be announced on February 15, 2019 during a ceremony to air on PBS.

From AARP:  The winners of the 2019 / 18th Annual AARP Movies for Grownups Awards have been announced.  "Green Book" named "Best Movie for Grownups 2018."

Alliance of Women Film Journalists:
From AwardsWatch:  The AWFJ announces the nominees for its 2018 EDA Awards.

From AwardsWatch:  The AWFJ announces the winners of the 2018 EDA Awards.  "Roma" is named "Best Film of 2018."

Annie Awards:
From Variety:  46th annual Annie Awards nominations - for achievements in animation in film, television, video games, VR productions, and on the web.  Winners announced Saturday, Feb. 2nd, 2019 by ASIFA-Hollywood.

From CartoonBrew:  46th annual Annie Awards winners have been announced.  "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" named "Best Animated Feature of 2018."

Atlanta Film Critics Circle:
From AwardsWatch:  2019 Atlanta Film Critics Circle Awards winners announced.  "The Favourite" named best film of 2018.

Austin Film Critics Association:
From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 AACA Awards nominations were announced.  The winners will be announced on Monday, January 7, 2019.

From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 AACA Award winners have been announced.  "If Beale Street Could Talk" named "Best Picture of 2018.

BAFTAs:
From BAFTA:  The EE British Academy Film Awards have announced the nominations for their 2019 / 72nd annual awards.

From BAFTA:  2019 / 72nd The British Academy Film Awards were announced.  "Roma" was named "Best Film of 2018."

Boston Online Film Critics Association:
From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 BOFCA Awards were announced.  "You Were Never Really Here" was named "Best Picture" of 2018.

Boston Society of Film Critics:
From AwardsWatch:   The winners of the 2018 BSFC Awards were announced.  "If Beale Street Could Talk" was named "Best Film" of 2018.

British Independent Film Awards:
From BIFA:  2018 British Film Awards nominations announced.  Winners announced Sunday, December 2, 2018.

From BIFA:  2018 BIFA Award winners announced Sunday, December 2, 2018.  "The Favorite" named "Best British Independent Film."

Chicago Film Critics Association:
From AwardsWatch:  2018 CFCA Awards nominations announced.  Winners will be announced Saturday night, December 8th.

From AwardsWatch:  2018 CFCA Awards winners announced.  "Roma" was named "Best Picture of 2018."

Cinema Eye Awards:
From AwardsWatch:  2019 Cinema Eye Awards nominations announced for achievement in nonfiction film.  Winners announced Jan. 10th, 2019.

Columbus Film Critics Association:
From AwardsWatch:  The CFCA Awards were announced.  "If Beale Street Could Talk" was named "Best Film of 2018."

Critics' Choice Awards:
From THR:  2019 Critics' Choice Awards (from the Broadcast Film Critics Association) nominations were announced.  Winners will be announced Sunday, January 13, 2019.

From Variety:  2019/ 24th Critics Choice Awards winner have been announced.  "Roma" named "Best Picture of 2018."

Dallas-Ft. Worth Film Critics Association:
From AwardsWatch:  2018 Dallas-Ft. Worth Film Critics Association Awards were announced.  "A Star is Born" was named "Best Picture" of 2018.

Denver Film Critics Society:
From AwardsWatch:  The Denver Film Critics Society has named the nominees for its 2019 awards.  The winners will be announced Monday, January 14, 2019.

From AwardsCircuit:  2019 Denver Film Critics Society Awards were announced.  "Roma" named "Best Picture of 2018."

Detroit Film Critics Society:
From AwardsWatch:  2018 Detroit Film Critics Society Awards nominations announced.

From AwardsWatch:  2018 Detroit Film Critics Society Awards winners announced, Monday, December 3rd, 2018.  "Eighth Grade" named "Best Film."

Directors Guild of America:
From Deadline:  The 2019 / 71st annual Director Guild Awards nominations in feature film director and first-time feature film director  were announced.  The winners will be announced February 2, 2019.

From Deadline:  The 2019 / 71st annual Directors Guild Awards nominations in the TV, documentary, and commercial categories were announced.  The winners will be announced February 2, 2019.

From DGA:  The winners of the 2019 / 71st Annual Directors Guild Awards winners have been announced.  Alfonso Cuaron wins the top award for his film, "Roma."

Dorian Awards:
From AwardsWatch:  The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics has announced the nominees for the 10th annual Dorian Awards.  The winners will be announced Saturday, January 12, 2019.

From AwardsWatch:  The 10 annual Dorian Awards winners were announced.  "The Favourite" named "Film of the Year" (2018).

European Film Awards:
From AwardsWatch:  31st European Film Award nominations announced. Winners announced Saturday, December 15th, 2018.

From TheWrap:  The winners at the 31st European Film Awards have been announced.  Pawel Pawlikowski's "Cold War" has won "Best European Film of 2018."

Film Independent Spirit Awards:
From AwardsWatch:  34th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards nominations announced - formerly known as the "Independent Spirit Awards"  Winners will be announced Saturday, February 23, 2019.

From FilmIndependent:  The winners of the 2019 / 34th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards were announces.  "If Beale Street Could Talk" was named "Best Feature of 2018."

Florida Film Critics Circle:
From AwardsWatch:  2018 FFCC Awards nominations were announced.  Winners to be announced Friday, December 21, 2018.

From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 FFCC Awards announced.  "The Favourite" wins "Best Picture of 2018."

Georgia Film Critics Association:
From AwardsWatch:  The nominations for the 2019 GFCA Awards were announced.  The winners will be announced Friday, January 11, 2019.

From AwardsWatch:  The 2019 GFCA Awards winners were announced.  "A Star is Born" was named "Best Picture of 2018."

GOLDEN GLOBES:
From Variety:  The winners at the 2019 / 76th Golden Globes awards were announced.  "Bohemian Rhapsody" was named "Best Motion Picture-Drama of 2018" and "Green Book" won "Best Motion Picture-Comedy or Musical of 2018."

Gotham Awards:
From IFP:  Nominations announced for the 28th Annual IFP Gotham Awards on October 19, 2018.

From IFP:  Winners announced for the 28th annual "IFP Gotham Awards" on November 26, 2018.  "The Rider" named "Best Feature of 2018."

Hollywood Music in Media Awards:
From Variety:  9th annual Hollywood Music in Media Awards winners announced November 14, 2018.  The HMMAs honor internationally produced music in film, TV, video games, commercials and trailers released between Oct. 1 of the prior year and Dec. 31 of the current year.

Houston Film Critics Society:
From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 HFCS Awards nominations were announced.  Winners will be announced, Thursday, January 3, 2018.

From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 HFCS Awards were announced.  "The Favourite" was named "Best Picture of 2018."

Indiana Film Journalists Association:
From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 IFJA Awards were announced.  "The Hate U Give" was named "Best Film" of 2018.

International Documentary Association:
From AwardsWatch:  2018 IDA Awards announced.  "Minding the Gap" named "Best Feature" winner.

Iowa Film Critics Association:
From AwardsWatch:  2018 IFCA Awards announced.  "The Favourite" was named "Best Film of 2018."

Kansas City Film Critics Circle:
From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 KCFCC Awards were announced.  "Roma" and "The Favorite" tied for "Best Picture" of 2018.

Las Vegas Film Critics Society:
From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 LVFCS Awards have been announced.  "Roma" was named "Best Picture of 2018."

London Critics Circle:
From THR:  The nominations for the 2019 London Critics Circle Film Awards have been announced.  The winners will be announced January 20, 2019.

From CriticsCircle:  The winners of the 2019 / 39th London Critics Circle Film Awards have been announced.  "Roma" was named "Film of the Year" (2018).

Los Angeles Film Critics Association:
From LAFCA:  The winners of the 2018 LAFCA Awards have been announced.  "Roma" was named Picture of 2018."

Los Angeles Online Film Critics Society:
From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 LAOFCS Awards were announced.  "The Hate U Give" was named "Best Picture of 2018."

National Board of Review:
From NBR:  National Board of Review 2018 award winners announced.  "Green Book" named "Best Film."

National Society of Film Critics:
From TheWrap:  The NSFC has named its 53rd annual film awards.  The group named "The Rider" the "Best Picture of 2018."

Nevada Film Critics Society:
From AwardsWatch:  The NFCS Awards have been announced.  "Green Book" named "Best Film of 2018."

New York Film Critics Circle:
From THR:  The New York Film Critics Circle Awards for the year 2018 have been announced.  "Roma" named "Best Picture of 2018."

New York Film Critics Online:
From Deadline:  The New York Film Critics Online have announced their 2018 awards. "Roma" named "Best Picture" of 2018.

North Carolina Film Critics Association:
From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 NCFCA Awards nominations were announced.  Winners will be announced Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 NCFCA awards were announced.  "Roma" was named "Best Narrative Film"

North Texas Film Critics Association:
From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 NTFCA Awards were announced.  "Green Book" was named "Best Picture" of 2018.

Oklahoma Film Critics Circle:
From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 OFCC Awards winners were announced.  "Roma" was named "Best Film of 2018."

Online Film Critics Society:
From AwardsWatch:  The 22nd OFCS Awards nominations were announced.  Winners will be announced Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

From FilmPulse:  The 22nd OFCS Awards winners were announced.  "Roma" was named "Best Picture of 2018."

Philadelphia Film Critics Circle:
From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 Philadelphia Film Critics Circle Awards were announced.  "Roma" was named "Best Movie of 2018."

Phoenix Critics Circle:
From AwardsWatch:  2018 PCC Awards nominations have been announced.  The winners will be announced Saturday, December 15, 2018.

From AwardsWatch:  2018 PCC Awards winners were announced.  "The Favourite" was named "Big Picture" of 2018.

Phoenix Film Critics Society:
From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 PFCS Awards were announced.  "Green Book" named "Best Picture" of 2018.

Producers Guild of America:
From Deadline:  The Producers Guild announced the nominations for its 30th annual PGA Awards, listing nominees for the year’s best-produced works in motion pictures, television and short-form categories. The awards will be presented January 19, 2019 at the Beverly Hilton.

From AwardsWatch:  The Producers Guild of America (PGA) has announced seven finalists for the PGA award for "Documentary Feature."  2019 Producers Guild Awards winners announced January 19, 2019.

From PGA:  The winners of the 2019 / 30th Annual Producers Guild Awards.  "Green Book" named "The Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures."

St. Louis Film Critics Association:
From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 SLFCA Awards nominations have been announced.  Winners will be named December 17, 2018.

From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 SLFCA Awards winners were announced.  "A Star is Born" named "Best Film" of 2018.

San Diego Film Critics Society:
From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 San Diego Film Critics Society Awards were announced.

From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 San Diego Film Critics Society Awards were announced.  "Leave No Trace" named "Best Picture of 2018."

San Francisco Film Critics Circle:
From AwardsWatch:  2019 San Francisco Film Critics Circle Awards nominations announced.  Winners announced Sunday, Dec. 9th.

From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 SFFCC Awards were announced.  "Roma" named "Best Picture of 2018."

Satellite Awards:
From AwardsWatch:  23rd Annual Satellite Awards (presented by International Press Academy) were announced.

Screen Actors Guild:
From THR:  The winners at the 2019 / 25th Screen Actors Guild Awards were announced.  This link also lists the nominees.  "Black Panther" won the top award, "Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

Seattle Film Critics Society:
From AwardsWatch:  2018 Seattle Film Critics Society Awards nominations announced.  Winners to be announced Monday, December 17, 2018.

From AwardsWatch:  2018 SFCS Awards were announced.  "Roma" was named "Best Picture of the Year" for 2018.

Southeastern Film Critics Association:
From AwardsWatch:  2018 SEFCA Awards were announced.  "Roma" named "Best Film" of 2018.

Toronto Film Critics Association:
From AwardsWatch:  The 2018 TFCA Awards were announced.  "Roma" named "Best Picture of 2018."

USC Scripter Awards:
From Negromancer:  USC Libraries announced the nominees for the 2019 / 31st Annual USC Libraries Scripter Awards.  The winners will be announced Saturday, February 9, 2019.

Utah Film Critics:
From AwardsWatch:  The Utah Film Critics announced their 2018 film awards.  "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" was named "Best Picture" of 2018.

Vancouver Film Critics Circle:
From AwardsWatch:  Nominations for the 2018 VFCC Awards were announced.  Winners will be announced Monday, December 17, 2018.

From THR:  2018 Vancouver Film Critics Circle Awards announced.  "Roma" is named "Best Picture of 2018."

Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association:
From AwardsDaily:  2019 Washington D.C. Area Films Critics Association Awards nominees announced.

From AwardsWatch:  2019 WDCAFCA Awards winner announced.  "Roma" named best film of 2018.

Women Film Critics Circle:
From AwardsWatch:   2018 Women Film Critics Circle Awards nominations have been announced.

From ShockYa:  2018 Women Film Critics Circle Award winners announced. "The Favourite" was named "Best Movie About Women."

Writers Guild of America:
From TheWrap:  The Writers Guild of America (WGA) announces the nominees for its 2019 Writers Guild Awards in the film, documentary, and video game categories.  The Writers Guild Awards ceremony will be held February 17, 2019.

From AwardsWatch:  Nominations for the 2019 WGA Awards for achievement in television have been announced.  Nominees for film will be announced January 7, 2019.


--------------------------------------------

Best Picture of 2018 win count:

Black Panther - 4 wins (African-American Film Critics Association; Black Film Critics Circle; Black Reel Awards, Screen Actors Guild)

Bohemian Rhapsody - 1 win (Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture-Drama)

Cold War - 1 win (European Film Awards)

Eighth Grade - 1 win (Detroit Film Critics Society)

The Favourite - 9 wins (Atlanta Film Critics Circle; British Independent Film Awards; Florida Film Critics Society; Houston Film Critics Society; Iowa Film Critics Association; Kansas City Film Critics Circle(tie); Phoenix Critics Circle; The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics; Women Film Critics Circle)

Green Book - 8 wins (Academy Awards; AARP; Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture-Comedy or Musical; National Board of Review; Nevada Film Critics Society; North Texas Film Critics Association; Phoenix Film Critics Society; Producers Guild)

The Hate U Give - 2 wins (Indiana Film Journalists Association; Los Angeles Online Film Critics Society)

If Beale Street Could Talk - 4 wins (Austin Film Critics Association; Boston Society of Film Critics; Columbus Film Critics Association; Film Independent Spirit Awards)

Leave No Trace - 1 win (San Diego Film Critics Society)

The Rider - 2 wins (Gotham Awards; National Society of Film Critics)

ROMA - 21 wins (Alliance of Women Film Journalists; Austin Film Critics Circle; British Academy Film Awards-BAFTAs; Chicago Film Critics Association; Critics Choice Awards; Denver Film Critics Society; Kansas City Film Critics Circle (tie); London Critics Circle; Las Vegas Film Critics Circle; Los Angeles Film Critics Association; New York Film Critics Circle; New York Film Critics Online; North Carolina Film Critics Association; Online Film Critics Society; Philadelphia Film Critics Circle; San Francisco Film Critics Circle; Southeastern Film Critics Association; Seattle Film Critics Society; Toronto Film Critics Association; Vancouver Film Critics Circle; Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association)

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse - 2 wins (Annie Awards; Utah Film Critics)

A Star is Born - 3 wins (Dallas-Ft. Worth Film Critics Association; Georgia Film Critics Associaiton; St. Louis Film Critics Association)

You Were Never Really Here - 1 win (Boston Online Film Critics Association)

--------------------

From TheNewYorker:  Critic Richard Brody's "best films of 2018" list.


--------------------------------------------